Adventure Hiking in Jordan
Climb Jordan’s highest mountain, enter Petra via the backdoor and sleep in a Bedouin camp under the stars
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, professional, English-speaking guidesHotel & Glamping
3 nights in a hotel and 2 nights in a Bedouin campMeals
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 traditional Arabic dinnersTransfers
Both airport transfers and travel between locationsEquipment
In the desert you'll stay in fully equipped fixed Bedouin tentsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 16 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Pass through the sandstone mountains that guard Petra’s ‘backdoor’ before soaking up the secrets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself
Hop in a desert truck through the dunes of Wadi Rum to climb Jordan’s highest peak, with views all the way to Saudi Arabia
Swim, or float, in the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth, famous for its healing properties
Looking for a longer adventure? Check out Hike Jordan and Snorkel the Red Sea to explore technicolour waterworlds as well as lunar sandscapes
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Jordan
The start point for today is your hotel in central Madaba. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to Madaba, where you are free to check in after 14:00.
Day 2
Dana Nature Reserve
Driving
Hiking
After breakfast and a chance to meet your fellow adventurers, it's time for your briefing on the days ahead. Head south to Dana Nature Reserve, one of Jordan’s often-overlooked gems. Today you’ll be hiking the Shaq Al Reesh trail (or similar). This circular trail traverses from Al-Barrah, through a breathtaking siq, to Shaq al Reesh. Time permitting, after the hike you’ll continue south towards Shobak Castle for a panoramic tour. Pull out your camera and take a few great shots, as the castle is perched on the side of a rocky, conical mountain, looking out over fruit trees below on the way to Petra. Memories captured, you’ll then head to your first Bedouin camp experience of this adventure.
Day 3
The backdoor to Petra
Hiking
After an early breakfast, it's time to start your journey through Petra. You'll cross the desert and pass through Wadi Ghurab amidst the sandstone mountains that guard the approach to Petra. Continue via a Nabataean route that skirts the final mountain on a natural rock terrace. You'll soon reach a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. The monastery suddenly comes into view as you follow the steps down to ancient Petra, where you'll have time to soak it all in and learn about its ancient past.
Day 4
Head to Wadi Rum and climb Jordan’s highest peak
Driving
Hiking
Head to the unique desert landscape of Wadi Rum, where you'll hop into a desert truck for the hour’s drive to the foot of Um Ad Dami (1800m) – the highest peak in Jordan. Hike up to the summit, from which the panorama is spectacular – to the south, you can see the border to Saudi Arabia and to the north, Jebel Rum. You'll descend to a remote Bedouin camp to relax and marvel at the stars in the clear desert night. Dinner here is a real experience – you’ll be served zarb, a delicious traditional dish cooked for 4-5 hours on hot coals under the ground.
Day 5
Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea
Driving
If you're an early bird, your Bedouin hosts will be able to point you towards a nearby sand dune for sunrise – a great opportunity to catch the unique, deep reds of the desert landscape one last time. After breakfast, you’ll drive north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where you'll stop for a swim and a float before heading to the cosmopolitan city of Amman for your final night.
Day 6
Transfer to Airport
After breakfast and final goodbyes with your team, you'll be returned to the airport in time for your flight home.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
For breakfast, expect a buffet typical of 3-star hotel breakfasts all over the world. Lunches will generally be either a packed lunch or buffet style. Where there isn't included, this will cost approx $10pp. Dinner (where not included) will be at local restaurants and will cost approx $15-$20pp. Your guide will be with you to make suggestions of where to eat and when to arrange group meals.
For dinner in the Bedouin camp on Day 2, you'll experience traditional Arabic food: either magloobah (rice with vegetables and chicken prepared in a traditional way with local spices) or mansaf (rice served with lamb and yoghurt). These dishes come with the classic accompaniments of hoummus, mtabbal (fried aubergine) and salad. Dinner at Wadi Rum on Day 4 is a real experience: here, they serve the famous zarb – rice, veggies, lamb and chicken cooked for 4-5 hours under the ground on coals, served with salads and side dishes.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just let your host know on booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Little Petra
You will spend one night in a Bedouin camp located just 5km from Petra. Each tent is equipped with beds, mattresses, blankets and pillows, with showers and toilets available nearby. You'll be treated to traditional Bedouin cuisine, and the camp is the perfect place for a spot of star-gazing and to watch the sun rise the next morning.
Wadi Rum
The Bedouin desert camp consists of several communal areas for dining, having a fire and sitting outside. The tents are large canvas square style tents with a raised bed, mattress and furniture in each. If you would like to take your mattress outside to a nearby dune to sleep under the stars, let your guide know as this can be arranged.
Madaba, Petra & Amman
During your overnight stays in Madaba, Petra and Amman you will be tucked up in cosy local hotels. The exact hotel you stay in will be confirmed nearer the time based on group size and availability, but all are chosen for their excellent reputation, location and welcoming service.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
A moderate level of fitness is needed to enjoy this trip. You won’t need to be super fit, but you should be in good shape and feel comfortable hiking up to 6 hours a day on often unsteady ground. What’s more important is being comfortable with heights. There will be a few exposed sections, so those with vertigo may not be too comfortable. Your guide will never be far away to help you get through it, though.
What will I need to carry?
You'll only need to carry a small day rucksack during each day of activity. Your larger main bag will be transported for you.
The weather in the summer can get very hot, especially in the desert, with daytime temperatures averaging between 32-36°C. May to October tends to be exclusively sunny, while the nights are cool and balmy. Rain is unlikely but not unheard of, so do be prepared, especially if travelling between November and March.
We recommend going on this trip between September to October or March to April. Where the weather is just a little bit cooler.
We are monitoring the UK government travel advice closely in response to the conflict over the border in Israel and Palestine. In addition, we are in close contact with our local hosts in Jordan in relation to the situation. Trips in Jordan remain unaffected and are running as scheduled. Last updated: Wednesday 11 October 2023
For current advice about travelling in Jordan, have a read of the FCO pages here.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Queen Alia International Airport, Amman
Catch any flight to arrive on Day 1
Ends
Queen Alia International Airport Amman
Depart any time on Day 6
Transfers
Arrival transfers from Amman airport to the hotel in Madaba are included for any time you choose to arrive on Day 1 or Day 2 of the tour (some flights arrive after midnight so fall in the early hours of Day 2). Departure transfers from the final hotel to Amman airport are included for any time you choose to depart on Day 6. If you need a transfer on other days then your host can arrange a private transfer for you, at additional cost. See the Optional Extras section for prices.
Travel options
There are frequent flights to Amman from airports in the UK and Europe. Choose any flight to arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 6 - or extend your stay if you wish. Some flights arrive shortly after midnight - if you arrive in Amman in the early hours of Day 2 then your room will be ready and waiting for you, but if your flight arrives in the early hours of Day 1, you will need to book an extra night's accommodation before the tour as rooms are not usually available for check-in until the mid-afternoon. Your host can arrange an additional night of accommodation, subject to availability. See the Optional Extras section for prices.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
- Main bag (duffel bag or small suitcase)
- Day pack (15-25 litres) to carry the essentials while hiking
- Light rain or windproof jacket
- Dry fit t-shirts or tops (shoulders covered)
- Hiking trousers or long shorts
- Buff or neck scarf
- Hiking boots (worn in)
- Hiking socks (synthetic or wool)
- Pyjamas/something to sleep in
- Swimwear
- Flip flops or sandals
- Walking poles (optional)
- Water bladder or 2 water bottles
- Sun protection (sun hat, sunglasses and suncreen)
- Insect repellent
- Personal first aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Toiletries (inc. travel towel and hand sanitiser)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, wet wipes and ziplock baggies to carry out)
- Snacks
- Sleeping bag liner for the Bedouin camps (optional)
- Headtorch (optional) for the night in the desert
- Ear plugs (optional)
Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Single)
…
Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Twin or Double)
Payable Before Departure
Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Twin or Double)
…
Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Single)
…
Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Twin or Double)
Payable Before Departure
Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Twin or Double)
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
… Per Person
Private Airport Transfer to/from Amman or Madaba Hotel (one way)
Payable Before Departure
Private Airport Transfer to/from Amman or Madaba Hotel (one way)
…
One of the best adventures!
Had an absolutely fabulous time. Petra was the highlight but every day was amazing. Was tough as we arrived right at end of season during a heatwave but company were great and instead of climbing Jordans highest mountain (it really was far too hot) we had an epic desert jeep tour. Our guide Ahlam was amazing and so knowledgeable and made our trip amazing. It was really a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget it, we had a tough time due to unusual heatwave at the time of year but the company were amazing and all i remember is the amazing memories! We went as a private group and much better adventures were amazing everything was so well organised. Wouldn't hesitate to book with them again!
Amazing!
Our guide Ahlam was fantastic. Friendly, knowledgeable and great fun. Couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Our adventure in Jordan was brilliant. Quite due to circumstances however we all felt safe and had no issues. Would definitely recommend much better adventures. Everything was perfect from start to finish!
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